Liberty tightens grip on Top Four tournament

Accra, Sept 3, GNA - Dansoman-based Liberty Professionals maintained their grip on the summit of the Glo Top Four tournament after they drew one-all with Berekum Arsenal in their clash at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra on Wednesday.

Striker Yaw Antwi's 79th minute equalizer after Arsenal's Michael Owusu had put the visitors in the lead seven minutes earlier proved crucial for the 'Scientific Lads' of Dansoman to maintain their run as the only unbeaten side so far of the tournament.

Liberty still occupy the top spot on seven points, which means the result of the late kick-off clash between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Kpando Heart of Lions becomes worthless to their position. After a 2-1 victory over league champions Kotoko in the day two clash last week, Liberty were expected to be ruthless against an Arsenal side depleted by the departure of some key players who could only boast of a point after two games.

The game however turned out to be the opposite as the visitors matched Liberty equally in every department and not even the 39th minute send-off of midfielder Henry Ohene Brenya could affect their output. Liberty resumed the second half stronger than from the first half that produced scanty chances.

In the 68th minute Liberty's striker Latifu Salifu weaved his way through the Arsenal defence and located Antwi, but the latter's miscued effort let the visitors off the hook.

Sixty seconds on, Arsenal brought on Stephen Owusu for Osei Bonsu and the change yielded dividends for them three minutes later as Owusu shot home from close range after he was put through by Eric Asiedu. Two minutes on, Arsenal's Osei Kuffour nearly consolidated their lead when he lobbed the ball over advancing goalie Dan Adjei but his effort came off the cross bar to Liberty's rescue and relief of their fans.

The hosts kept the rear of the visitors boiling with several raids and it paid off as Antwi's feeble shot surprisingly beat goalkeeper Thomas Asare Tuah. Liberty's defender Emmanuel Osei was voted the Most Valuable Player of the match.